Brown calls for harsher drug penalties

on February 9, 2015, 9:43 am

THE AFL needs to look at applying harsher penalties for illicit drug use, says former Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown. Brown says although the current three strikes policy – which allows players two positive returns before being punished for a third – is working to some degree, it is time to toughen up. He said […]

Brown said the AFL’s current policy had merit, with the number of positive tests decreasing as the number of overall tests was on the rise.

“Would a stiffer penalty hanging over your head stop you from doing it, maybe make you think twice at two o’clock in the morning in a nightclub when you’re going to take the illicit substance? Personally I think it would,” Brown said.

“I’ve never been that way inclined, but potentially they might need to look at stiffer penalties.

“With professional sport we do have a vehicle to be real leaders in the community. I think it’s time now for the athletes to stand up.”

Brown said although there was temptation, he could not understand why players would run the risk.

“I think we’re in a very privileged and lucky position to get paid to play a sport we love and part of that comes by making sacrifices.”